Gloucester Point, VA
April 18, 2025
So, yesterday after deploying the flopper-stoppers, they definitely alleviated the rocking and rolling for a while, until the winds changed direction and the tide and current was putting our Heidi-Ho side onto the waves. We were being knocked around so much that a cleat holding a line for one of the flopper-stoppers broke and the line went flying. Thankfully, the knot at the end of the line stopped it from completely disappearing into the water. We were able to recover it with a boat hook, but we were both getting knocked around a bit on the fly bridge doing the two-step because of the conditions. The flopper-stoppers were also forced under the boat, so time to move.
We took them down and moved across the York River and found a lovely secure and quiet anchorage in the northwest branch of Sarah Creek just for ourselves. We definitely slept better than if we had stayed on the mooring ball.
Lauren woke with another massive migraine, so we decided to stay put in our snug anchorage for the day. She thinks the migraines are most likely stress-related. She knows leaving the marina was stressful, but the rest of day didn’t bother her even dealing with the rough conditions on the mooring ball and the fiasco with the flopper-stoppers.
This is day two for Heidi not being able to get off the boat to do her business. We keep pointing out her pee pad, but … Most likely when we dock at York River Yacht Haven Marina tomorrow, we will get her off the boat. Guess it’s time to look into options other than the pee pad (which she will use when we are at home).
Brian is researching electric dinghy motors (EPropulsion) because our gas motor is too heavy to be lifting on and off the boat safely. The davits that are on the boat are too low to allow the motor to stay on the dinghy when the dinghy is lifted onto the davits. Therefore, each time we move the boat, we have to take the motor off the dinghy. At 85 pounds and unstable conditions, it is not feasible. The other option is to put the dinghy on the fly deck with the use of the mast and boom, but because we have to lower the mast and bimini to get under low bridges on parts of the Loop we cannot lift the dinghy to the top deck. The best solution seems to be an electric dinghy motor.
Lauren prepared BLT’s for lunch, which was a treat. She still wasn’t feeling great, so took a nap for about an hour, which didn’t really help. Dinner was a homemade peanut sauce over ramen noodles with chopped broccoli and red and yellow bell peppers – delicious! Even though Lauren felt lousy all day, she always manages to stay busy keeping her mind off how miserable she actually feels.
Good news: Heidi used her pee pad – woohoo!!
Tomorrow, we head to York River Yacht Haven Marina for a few days. Lauren’s already getting concerned about the wind and getting into a slip – yes, she is a worrywart.
Brian reading: Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
Lauren: Still, yes still slogging thru The Fraud
April 19, 2025
Saw our first loon – love the loons! Left our nice calm anchorage and motored over to York River Yacht Haven Marina. The winds were above 15 knots – and gusting in the 20’s. We were directed to the outside of the longest T-dock with two other trawlers on it. Bob P., you would have been proud of Lauren. She turned the boat about 30 degrees into the dock and layed it right in, in front of another trawler. The winds definitely helped, but it went very smoothly. We washed and wiped down the boat. Met Patrick and Kristina of Round About on the same dock as us. We will be getting together with them later. Noticed Iron Marriage was also here in this marina; we met them back in Belhaven – will stop by later to see them.
Yesterday, Brian had ordered an Epropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus outboard motor. It was delivered about a half hour after we docked. This outboard will be so much easier for us to get it off and on the boat instead of big Tahatsu 9.8 horsepower which ways about 85 lbs. The electric outboard is about 40 lbs.
After cleaning the boat, Lauren gave Heidi a much-needed bath and since she was basically stripped down for that, she scrubbed down the shower including lifting the teak grate, scrubbing all sides of that plus the base of the shower.
We are going to treat ourselves to a late lunch, early dinner at the marina’s restaurant – great reviews from numerous fellow boaters.
April 20, 2025 - HAPPY EASTER
Yesterday went to the marina restaurant. A popular place as it was packed with many waiting for tables. We chose to eat indoors as we were hungry and there were a few of those tables available. Ordered calamari to start – perfectly crisp and tender. Brian had a burger with savory hush puppies for a side. Lauren had blackened mahi tacos. Everything was delicious!
Took Heidi out for a walk on the docks and left a note for Iron Marriage. They may be off the boat for a few days.
Patrick and Kristina stopped by early evening and we had a nice visit. Later that evening, we finished off the calamari – yum!
This morning Brian spotted another loon hanging out near our boat. Saw Round About leaving the dock. Lauren did laundry – it was all-day affair. Having issues with the machine again.
Brian wanted to try out the electric outboard, so he got it ready on the dinghy and away we went. Heidi joined us for the ride – she wasn’t too sure about the experience, but she stayed put on Lauren’s lap for the duration of the trip. The motor is so quiet.
At about noon we took a mile walk to a plaza and had lunch at the Eggheads Diner and had a breakfast lunch.
Rest of day was hanging out on the boat still trying to get laundry done. Lauren prepared a dinner of sauteed mushrooms, onion and garlic, salt & pepper & lots of Thyme; took off the meat from the leftover lambchops, diced it and added to vegetable mixture. This mixture was served over long grained rice and she mixed in the leftover peanut sauce from the other night – delicious!
Rick and Jennifer of Iron Marriage stopped by after dinner for a visit. Their 3 daughters are visiting for a few days. We think we will be leap-frogging with them on the Loop journey.
Hope all is well and stay safe out there.